Islam Makhachev before the fight. Photo: X | Islam Makhachev Islam Makhachev before the fight. Photo: X | Islam Makhachev The UFC kicks off 2025 in spectacular fashion with UFC 31122win, a blockbuster pay-per-view event at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Headlining the card is a highly anticipated rematch for the lightweight championship between reigning champion Islam Makhachev and surging contender Arman Tsarukyan. (More Sports News)
This matchup, more than five years in the making, carries immense stakes for both fighters. Makhachev (26-1-0), riding an incredible 14-fight win streak, has established himself as one of the most dominant champions in the UFC.
The Dagestani powerhouse last fought in 2024, submitting Dustin Poirier to solidify his spot atop the 155-pound division. Tsarukyan (22-3-0), on the other hand, has transformed into a top-tier contender since making his promotional debut against Makhachev at UFC Fight Night 149 in April 2019.
Though Tsarukyan lost his initial encounter via unanimous decision, he has since gone 9-1, with his only loss coming in a razor-thin contest against Mateusz Gamrot. This rematch presents a chance for redemption and a shot at lightweight glory.
In the co-main event, bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili (18-4-0) defends his title against undefeated challenger Umar Nurmagomedov (18-0-0).
Dvalishvili, known for his relentless pace and grappling prowess, claimed the crown in dominant fashion by dismantling Sean O'Malley at UFC 306. Now, he faces an entirely different challenge in Nurmagomedov, a well-rounded phenom from the famed Nurmagomedov fighting lineage. Umar's unblemished record and dynamic skill set make him one of the most dangerous threats to Dvalishvili's reign.
Here is the fight card, how to watch it and a collection of all of the UFC 311 essentials:UFC 311 fight card
ESPN+ PPV, 10 p.m. ET
Lightweight championship: Islam Makhachev (d) vs. Arman Tsarukyan
slots comBantamweight Championship: Merab Dvalishvili (d) vs. Umar Nurmagomedov
Light heavyweight: Jiri Prochazka vs. Jamahal Hill
Earlier in the match, a raucous crowd gave the Chinese players full support as they faced a formidable Pakistan. The game started slow with both teams struggling to find space in each other's defence. However, China kept control of the ball and made more attacks than Pakistan.
SAARI Faizal of Malaysia scored two goals for his side, while SAARI Fitri added another, and ANUAR Akhimullah opened the scoring in the first quarter.
Lightweight: Beneil Dariush vs. Renato Moicano
Middleweight: Kevin Holland vs. Reinier de Ridder
ESPNews/ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET
Bantamweight: Payton Talbott vs. Raoni Barcelos
Heavyweight: Jailton Almeida vs. Serghei Spivac
Light Heavyweight: Bogdan Guskov vs. Billy Elekana
Lightweight: Grant Dawson vs. Diego Ferreira
ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET
Middleweight: Zachary Reese vs. Azamat Bekoev
Women's bantamweight: Karol Rosa vs. Ailin Perez
Bantamweight: Rinya Nakamura vs. Muin Gafurov
Bantamweight: Ricky Turcios vs. Bernardo Sopaj
Flyweight: Tagir Ulanbekov vs. Clayton Carpenter
(d) = defending champion
How to watch the fights - Live streaming detailsThe main card will be on ESPN+ pay-per-view starting at 10 p.m. ET, with prelims on ESPN+ at 6 p.m. and simulcasts on ESPNews at 8 p.m.
Fans can watch the pay-per-view and all other fights on ESPN+.22win